Ati-Zigi Backs Ghana’s Unity Push Ahead of World Cup Return
Lawrence Ati-Zigi has set a determined tone ahead of his second appearance at the FIFA World Cup, stressing unity, discipline, and collective responsibility as key pillars for Ghana’s campaign in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The St. Gallen shot-stopper says the group is fully focused on turning lessons from Qatar into renewed purpose.
The 29-year-old insists the squad is approaching the tournament with belief rather than pressure, highlighting the importance of mental strength and togetherness.
“We’re giving our best and we’re looking forward to this moment,” he said, framing the team’s preparation as steady and deliberate rather than emotional or reactive.
Ati-Zigi was full of praise for the technical leadership within the camp, noting the value of experience and guidance in shaping the squad’s approach. “He’s a very experienced coach. He’s got a lot of information. You just have to take the good information he gives out and try to make use of it,” he explained, underlining the players’ responsibility to translate instructions into performance.
The goalkeeper also emphasised the importance of collective effort over individual quality, stressing that Ghana’s strength lies in cohesion. “The expectation is just teamwork. We’re going to fight to the end,” he said, adding that the group is determined to “give it all and… make Ghanaians proud.”
He further described the atmosphere within the camp as positive and competitive in equal measure, with players pushing each other while maintaining unity. “We’re all together. We fight for each other,” he said, pointing to what he believes is a key ingredient for success on football’s biggest stage.
Team unity and belief in camp
Ati-Zigi believes Ghana’s internal chemistry is one of its strongest assets heading into the tournament. He described consistent encouragement among players, especially towards younger members of the squad, as a defining feature of the group’s identity.
We support each other and we help each other by encouraging the young ones to keep going and to always give their best.
He also stressed that nervousness is not dominating the squad’s mindset, instead replaced by readiness and shared ambition.
Nervousness is not a word because I feel there is a good team spirit. Everyone is ready and everyone is looking forward.”
Learning from Qatar 2022 disappointment
The shot-stopper, who made his World Cup debut in Qatar, is eager to move beyond past setbacks and focus on progress.
He admitted that previous disappointments remain part of the team’s journey but should not define the present campaign.
These are moments that happen in football where you have bad moments and you sometimes don’t qualify,” he reflected. “For us, the biggest moment is now. We put everything that has happened behind us.”
Ati-Zigi also played a role in Ghana’s qualification journey, featuring in two matches during the campaign that secured their return to the global stage after a challenging qualifying cycle.
Focus on game-by-game approach
Looking ahead, Ati-Zigi is urging discipline and focus, insisting that success will come through consistency rather than big declarations. “We are just going to take it game by game,” he said, reinforcing the team’s emphasis on careful preparation and analysis.
He added that external expectations, including attention on names and reputations, will not dictate their approach. “For me, it’s not a matter of the names. Everything depends on us,” he stated.
As Ghana prepare for their opening match, Ati-Zigi believes the squad is ready to embrace the moment on football’s biggest platform. “We train well and this is what we are really focused on… we give ourselves good energy,” he said, adding that the ultimate aim is simple: deliver a performance that makes the nation proud.